A/C Service With SAE Automotive

Cold air. Clear vision. Comfortable driving

Nothing ruins a Canberra summer like an A/C that blows warm, smells musty, or takes ages to cool. At SAE Automotive, we don’t just “top it up” — we service your A/C system properly, check performance, and help you avoid the expensive failures that come from running low gas or contaminated oil.

If your A/C isn’t blowing cold, smells musty, fogs the windscreen, or takes ages to cool down, it’s time for an A/C service. At SAE Automotive, we service your system properly—recover, test, recharge, and confirm performance before it leaves the workshop.

What’s Included in Our A/C Service

Typically includes:

Recover and measure existing refrigerant (helps identify low-charge issues)
Vacuum test (checks for obvious leaks / moisture contamination)
Recharge to the correct specification
System performance test (vent temperature + pressures)
Advice on any abnormal noises, pressure readings, or cooling concerns

Note: If your system is very low or empty, that usually indicates a leak. We’ll explain the best next step (leak detection / repairs) before money gets wasted on repeat regas.

Anti-Bacterial / Odour Treatment

If your A/C has a musty smell, triggers allergies, or has been unused for a while, an anti-bacterial treatment helps reduce bacteria/mould build-up in the evaporator box and vents.

How Often Should You Service Your Car’s A/C?

Most vehicles benefit from an A/C service every 2 years, even if it “still feels cold”.

Why it matters:

Refrigerant can slowly leak over time through seals and fittings (normal ageing).
Low charge can reduce cooling and may affect compressor lubrication.
Moisture contamination can form acids in the system over time.
Cabin comfort + demisting performance drops when A/C efficiency drops.

Signs your A/C needs attention:

Not cold or takes too long to cool
Airflow is weak (often cabin filter related)
Musty smell when you turn it on
Windscreen fogging takes longer than normal
A/C cuts in/out frequently
Unusual noises when A/C is on

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@saeautomotive.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

“What’s the difference between an A/C re-gas and diagnosing a fault?”

A re-gas/service is best when the system is low or performance has dropped gradually.
If the system is empty, not engaging, pressures are abnormal, or cooling is still poor after service, you likely need diagnosis (leak detection, component testing, electrical checks, etc.).

Does re-gassing fix leaks?

No—re-gassing restores charge, but it doesn’t repair the cause of the leak. If it’s low, we’ll recommend the next step (leak test, UV dye tracing, component inspection).

Is the anti-bacterial treatment safe for kids and allergies

Generally yes when used correctly (we follow manufacturer directions and allow the vehicle to ventilate). If you have severe sensitivities, tell us when booking and we’ll advise the best approach.